Ever heard of the greatest and oldest building in Nigeria, the first storey building in Nigeria. Built by Rev. Henry Townsend in 1845 and Rev Golmer. For a certainty, Thomas breech Freeman and Bishops ajayi crowther also lived in this great building,
Where bible studies, translations into Yoruba language and exploration of biblical truths and historical evidence orginated. The compound is lucrative for other activities such as where the origination of the first church and fellowshipping of God, The orgin of the first School (adult school specifically, those who attended the school initially were between the ages of 38 as the youngest and the oldest 52) In this same premises the first water well in Nigeria was dug by the C.M.S the Christian missionary society and for a certainty the water from this well is so cool and refreshing. additionally the fisrt Bank in Nigerian also originated here, some items in the bank since 1846 include local currencies such as carved irons and many others.
It is interesting to know that the building consists of 6 rooms 3 at the top and 3 below, each rooms is dedicated for a special activity, the first foor at the top can be considered as the reception office while the second floor is the living room while the third top foor is where the most amazing , intellectual activity and historical achievements took place in this third floor Bishop Ajayi crowther A freed slave who returned from seirra leone translated the bible into yoruba language, amazingly the orginal copy of the english version which crowther transalted from and the Yoruba version he translated are still alive.
Furthermore, some of the existing Bibles of these great authors and scholars are still in existence in the first storey building in Nigeria. These books are located in Samuel ajayi Crowther Library, they are well kept and available for exploration.
Some ancient items shipped to Nigeria from Germany in 1842 by Rev Golmer and Henry Townsend are still in existence in the first storey building in Nigeria.These items include Door Inges, Nails and other building materials.
The Christian Missionary Society C.M.S were privileged to be the owner of the fisrt water well in Nigeria Named the Miracle Well, the well was named after the church and it had its inscription plainly written on it. The water from this well is tasteless, colourless and odourless. As a matter of fact and conviction the well is known to be the most cleanest water in the environment where it is situated.
Henry Townsend and others created a small cave in 1846, where their monetary contributions are kept for safety, this is where the first bank of Nigeria originated from. The items in this bank which are still in existence include some local carved objects named by the local villagers and some coins which 1 kobo, 50 kobo and many others.
Some of the images of these great men and scholars are also present in the building. Such as the image of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther who was the first bishop in Nigeria, the picture of Henry Townsend, Thomas birch freeman and Reverend Golmer.
In conclusion the first storey building in Nigeria is such a great place to visit amd explore all thanks to the team who made the provisions of this historic items still available and greatest thanks to the scholars who brought Christianity to Nigeria additionally all the people of Yoryba tribes are forever grateful to S.A Crowther who made the bible available in thier lnaguage.
What's next after the exploration of the first storey building in Nigeria? I Will be visiting the slave trade museums, and the point of no return of where slaves are transported overseas. Just a sneak peak of what to expect next
